Navarro blames India for war, ignores global energy realities

Peter Navarro, who was once a respected economist, now seems to have lost touch with reason. Spending too much time in Donald Trump’s orbit appears to have dulled his analytical skills. The man who once worked at Harvard and wrote detailed books on trade policy now parrots Trump’s views, trading careful analysis for political rants. He is officially called Trump’s trade adviser, but it often feels like Trump advises him instead. The rollercoaster of Trump’s tariffs looks less like economic strategy and more like chaos wrapped in a grin.

In a recent Bloomberg interview, Navarro made an astonishing claim: the Russia-Ukraine war is not Putin’s doing or Zelenskyy’s fight—it’s “Modi’s War.” According to him, India’s decision to buy discounted Russian crude oil is somehow funding the war, keeping global prices from rising, and saving its 1.4 billion citizens from paying more for fuel. Navarro ignores the obvious: India is securing energy for its population, which is survival, not war.

The logic is selective at best. China continues to buy Russian energy, and Europe still imports Russian gas through hidden deals. The US buys certain Russian minerals while exporting LNG to Europe, and their refineries process Russian crude blends quietly. Yet, Navarro chooses to blame India. While the US sells weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, profiting from the conflict, India is accused of being a war profiteer for simply managing its energy needs.

Navarro’s argument highlights double standards in global politics. Historically, India has often been judged unfairly. Columbus mistakenly called the people of the Americas “Indians,” and centuries later, some American perspectives still treat India as uniquely responsible for global outcomes. Trump and his allies elevate India as a global player, yet criticize it for acting in its own interests. Meanwhile, China and Russia pursue deals without facing the same scrutiny, and Europe can complain while keeping its lights on.

India’s energy choices are about survival

India is a country of 1.5 billion people. Its economy is growing but still fragile. Buying affordable energy is necessary to keep the economy moving and to protect citizens from rising prices. This is not aggression—it is responsible governance. Navarro’s claim that India is somehow responsible for Europe’s struggles with Putin ignores the realities of geopolitics. India negotiates smart deals, just as any sensible country would, like a shopper finding a better price at the market.

Other countries also profit from war indirectly or trade energy with Russia while publicly opposing it. The US can sanction Russia while conducting its own energy deals, Europe can signal virtue while relying on Russian supplies, and China can pursue its interests quietly. Navarro singles out India, ignoring this hypocrisy. The truth is that India is keeping global oil prices in check while feeding a massive population. If that is a crime, let it be considered so—but blaming India alone is unfair.

Trump’s approach to tariffs and trade is similarly inconsistent. Navarro’s comments reflect more desperation for relevance than genuine economic insight. What once were well-regarded analyses, such as in his book Death by China, now read as parroting Trump’s whims on Bloomberg. This shows how ideology and political loyalty can replace careful reasoning. Navarro’s “analysis” lacks balance, ignoring context and fairness, while framing India as a villain for doing what is necessary.

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India’s actions should be seen as pragmatic and responsible. While it may not yet have the global influence to negotiate on equal terms with the US, its strategic depth is undeniable. By securing energy at reasonable prices, India safeguards its population and strengthens its economy. Navarro’s accusations are more about political posturing than truth. Global energy politics is complex, but India’s choices are sensible and necessary.

In the world of geopolitics, hypocrisy is common. Trump and Navarro’s criticism highlights it vividly. While the US and Europe can profit from the conflict and energy deals, India is unfairly singled out. The lesson is clear: India acts in the interest of its citizens, prioritizing survival and economic stability over political convenience. Navarro’s “Modi’s War” narrative collapses under scrutiny, revealing more about American political obsession than India’s policies.

Ultimately, India’s responsibility is to its people, not to satisfy foreign criticism. Navarro may spin narratives for headlines, but the reality is simple: India buys oil to power its economy, not to fuel wars. As the country grows, its decisions will continue to reflect pragmatism and foresight, even if outsiders fail to understand them.